Cocaine is a Schedule I drug due to its addictive and harmful nature. The accusation of cocaine possession can result in expensive fines, and alter aspects of daily life such as employment.

Cocaine Penalties

According to the website of Horst Law, penalties for Schedule I drugs are among the most expensive and are associated with longer sentences than other drugs. Penalties for the various amounts of cocaine possession can range from 180 days in jail to life in prison, depending on the amount of the substance authorities find. Monetary penalties can vary, with a maximum fine of $100,000 in some places. Punishments increase depending on the amount because law enforcement can argue that after a certain threshold, there is more drugs than one person can reasonably consume, so they assume you must be trying to distribute them. Those charges have harsher consequences and can be tacked on in addition to possession ones.

If accused of cocaine possession, you have a difficult road ahead of you. You are probably facing a trial and possible jail time. This can be scary, but remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, so there is still a chance that you can go free and not have to face any of the incredibly harsh penalties that come with drug possession charges.